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Getting back to civil discourse to ensure universities are where disagreement sharpens thinking rather than destroy relationships LINCOLN, Neb. —I remember watching the 2008 presidential campaign when a woman at a town hall told Senator John McCain she could not trust Senator Barack Obama because he was “an Arab.” Senator McCain took the microphone back and replied, “No, ma’am. He’s a decent family man and citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, and that’s what this campaign is all about.” Years later, after being diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor, Senator McCain asked President Obama to deliver a eulogy at his funeral. It is difficult to imagine moments like this in today’s political environment. According to a recent NPR/Marist poll, 30 percent of Americans believe political violence may be necessary to “get our country back on track.” That reality should alarm us all. Nearly one-third of Americans now view violence as a potentially acceptable political tool. Sadly, it’s not hard to see how we arrived here. The hostility in our political culture continues to escalate as our divisions deepen. In Minnesota, former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed by a man impersonating a police officer. Political activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated on a college campus. We have witnessed multiple assassination attempts against President Trump. There was even the recently thwarted domestic terror plot targeting the UFC Freedom 250 event held on the White House grounds, and according to the FBI, spearheaded by a Nebraska resident. Seeing each other as enemies has profound consequences. It fuels mistrust, misinformation, and political gridlock. It weakens civic institutions, damages personal relationships, undermines our sense of community, and erodes public trust during moments of national crisis. Yet, most Nebraskans are not ideological extremists. We all want safe neighborhoods, good schools, economic opportunity, and a stable future for our children. We likely have far more in common with one another than our politics would suggest. Yet we increasingly speak to one another as though we are confronting the most radical caricature of the opposing side. I have experienced this firsthand during my campaign for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. In what is supposed to be a nonpartisan race focused on higher education, I have seen social media posts, emails, and messages that showed little interest in the university itself and instead sought to personally dismantle and discredit me. Some crossed the line into harassment and flirted with violence. The attacks come not only from anonymous accounts, but also from people within our own community who should know better. I have spoken with elected officials who describe two common reactions to this environment: either it hardens their resolve and pushes them deeper into political combat, or it leaves them exhausted and discouraged about the pursuit of public service altogether. This is not healthy for our community or our democracy. Our universities should be places where disagreement sharpens thinking rather than destroys relationships. Healthy disagreement is both necessary and valuable in a democracy; it is how we test ideas, strengthen institutions, and move our society forward. Decency also requires integrity – the strength to be transparent about our principles, accountable for our words, and honest about our actions for the future we hope to build together. We are stronger when we engage opposing viewpoints, widen our circles, and wrestle honestly with the difficult challenges facing our communities. Strong convictions are not the problem. Losing our ability to see one another’s humanity is. That is why I have committed to running a campaign focused on issues rather than personal destruction. I will still be serving this community as a neurosurgeon long after this election is over, and I have no interest in sowing division in my home city. My wife and I are raising our three young children here, and it matters deeply to me that they see a father who believes decency, integrity, and statesmanship can coexist with public service. I want them to understand that our neighbors are not our enemies. They are people trying to build meaningful lives, raise families, and create opportunities for future generations, just as we are. Politics does not have to become a blood sport for us to care passionately about the future of our state. We can disagree without dehumanizing one another. We can debate without abandoning basic dignity. But if we cannot recognize the humanity in people with whom we disagree, we will lose far more than elections. But if we choose to model a politics rooted not in contempt, but in character, I still believe Nebraska, and America, can become a more united, more hopeful, and more decent place for the next generation. About Dr. Jeremy Hosein Dr. Jeremy Hosein is a Nebraska neurosurgeon and policy adviser who's running for a seat on the NU Board of Regents.

Last week I joined Mike Smith on 93.7 The Ticket Culture + Coffee . We talked political discourse, issues in higher education, and a lack of creativity in leadership thinking. Nebraskans value common sense and straight talkers. They value trust and honesty. They know authenticity when they see it, and they feel when you genuinely you care about them. With the state of discourse today, people aren’t talking about the hard stuff. Polarization breeds malaise, a lack of creativity, and stifles the vision of where we can go, what we can be, and who we are. Right now, there’s opportunity to restore what makes people believe that higher education is the pathway to opportunity and its power to transform lives. When Mike asked me what makes Nebraska special place, I told him it’s about the people. We don’t have mountains. We don’t have oceans, But our people are our greatest natural resource. Watch my conversation with Mike Smith on 93.7 The Ticket’s YouTube.

Dr. Jeremy Hosein, Board of Regents Candidate Interview Earlier this month, I spoke with Jack Mitchell on KLIN Drive Time Lincoln about a number of issues, ranging from tuition affordability to quantum computing to administrative efficiencies. I shared with Jack a bit about my background and what led me to enter public service, starting with the Air Force, taking my family around the globe, and being a student in downtown Manhattan during 9/11. The University of Nebraska faces many challenges; solving them starts with good leadership. It's critical that our leaders build relationships. I've worked with governors, state senators, and our congressional delegation. "If you can't pick up the phone and call folks who will answer on the other side, how can you expect to get the job of the University done? How can you support our institution? I don't see anyone else in this race who can do those things; who has that depth of policy experience; who has relationships that I've built organically. It's not because I decided to run for Regent that folks are coming out and supporting me. It's because I've known them for 20 years. You don't just make up those relationships in a couple of months’ time. That's my value add in this race. " Listen to my interview on KLIN News Talk 1400 AM / 99.3 FM Drive Time Lincoln .

Universities are among our most powerful public assets, yet too often we judge their success by internal metrics—rankings, citations, and “US News & World Report” prestige—rather than by whether they solve the urgent problems facing the people who support them. It is time to redefine the University not as an ivory tower, but as a problem-solving institution. Consider healthcare. When my wife and I first moved back to Lincoln in 2021, we could not find a primary care physician who was accepting new patients. Our state is among the majority that faces a critical shortage of physicians, especially in primary care and rural communities. Patients wait months for appointments (as my wife and I did) or are forced to drive hours for basic care. Universities can help alleviate this burden—now—by a radical rethinking of the medical education timeline. A three-year undergraduate pathway paired with a three-year MD program would responsibly accelerate training for students committed to primary care. This is not about lowering standards; it is about removing unnecessary delays. Creating a more efficient training apparatus means doctors can care for patients sooner, reduce burnout from prolonged schooling, and provide desperately needed care in rural clinics and community hospitals. The current law degree environment presents a parallel crisis. Rural areas are becoming legal deserts, with too few attorneys to handle family law, housing, probate, small business formation, and basic civil matters. When lawyers retire, there is often no one to replace them. Law schools should be part of the solution. Imagine a model where law schools serve as “senior partners” to recent graduates in their first year of practice. Faculty could provide structured mentorship, review filings, advise on strategy, and even sit second seat in early court appearances. This would give new lawyers confidence, clients competent representation, and underserved communities access to justice. However, fundamental changes like these require a deeper shift: realigning incentives within the university’s core. Faculty are rational actors. When tenure and promotion depend almost entirely on scholarly articles with subsequent grant funding—often read by a handful of specialists—faculty will focus there. Yet a law review article, however rigorous, does not resolve today’s eviction crisis or help a rural hospital stay open. If mentoring rural doctors and lawyers, supervising real cases, and building community partnerships counted meaningfully toward tenure and promotion, universities would unleash extraordinary talent in service of the public need. The question is not whether universities can solve today’s challenges: They can. The real question is whether we are willing to redefine success—away from insular prestige and toward demonstrable public value. Our communities are asking for solutions. It is time for universities to answer.

Dr. Jeremy Hosein announces his campaign for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, highlighting his experience as a former student regent, neurosurgeon, and proven problem solver committed to Nebraska’s students and future.

I’m committed to strengthening the University of Nebraska’s future, but this endeavor cannot be completed alone.   We're living in a time of extraordinary change. College graduates are entering a world transformed by artificial intelligence and automation, causing rapid economic disruption and an increasingly competitive workforce. Preparing our students with the skills, resilience, and creativity to thrive in this new economy is not optional—it’s our responsibility.   The onus to put our students first lies in joining our efforts . That’s why I’m announcing new campaign coalitions. If you know someone who fits the bill, share this message. If you know someone who has a desire to get involved in the community, share this message. If you know alumni, supporters, or fans of the University of Nebraska who want to make a difference, share this message.   This campaign isn't just a moment in time; it represents our future  and a new era of leadership for the next generation.   Thank you for helping build our community  of supporters for a stronger NU.   Respectfully, Dr. Jeremy Hosein

The Neurosurgeon Running for NU Board of Regents | Dr. Jeremy Hosein My interview on The Dan Parsons Show podcast is live! I shared with Dan why I’m running for Regent. It’s personal to me. The University of Nebraska needs nuanced leadership to solve complex challenges facing higher education in Nebraska. From budget pressures to brain drain concerns, preparing for an AI-driven economy and demonstrating the University’s value to our lawmakers, it’s not just about the big ideas. We need individuals who can lay out a path forward for solving them. I’ve worked in our state’s Governor’s office, the United States Senate, and the White House. I’m a Regent candidate who has drafted bills, lobbied state senators, and established relationships with our congressional delegation. These are experiences and relationships that matter for achieving the University's goals. We can do better, and it starts with leadership. Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Hosein running on putting students, faculty and Nebraska families first LINCOLN, Neb. — Dr. Jeremy Hosein, a neurosurgeon and former student regent, has officially filed his candidacy for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, District 1, with Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen, formally entering the 2026 election. Hosein, a former University of Nebraska–Lincoln student, University of Nebraska Medical Center graduate and student regent, public policy leader, and current Lincoln neurosurgeon, announced his campaign in 2025 and has spent the past several months building support across the district while outlining a vision focused on students, faculty and responsible stewardship of Nebraska’s public university system. “Today, I filed for office with gratitude for the opportunities that the University of Nebraska has given me,” Hosein said. “NU exists to serve students, families and taxpayers to meet the needs of the future and help propel us into a bright and prosperous one. My goal is to ensure every decision made by the board reflects that responsibility and keeps people at the center of our work.” Hosein completed his prerequisites for medical school at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and is a graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He previously served as a student regent to the board. He brings experience in medicine, public policy and small business ownership to the race, along with a focus on practical, results-driven governance. His campaign emphasizes strengthening academic excellence, protecting affordability for students, empowering faculty, and ensuring the university is aligned with Nebraska’s long-term workforce and community needs. The Hosein for Regent campaign will continue outreach across District 1 in the months ahead, listening and engaging with voters on higher education, affordability, workforce readiness and the role of the university in strengthening communities statewide. Endorsements Hosein’s candidacy continues to draw strong support from respected leaders in government, health care, education and the community, reflecting broad confidence in his people-first, results-driven approach to university leadership. At his campaign announcement in August 2025, Hosein was endorsed by a wide coalition of Nebraska leaders, including former Gov. Dave Heineman; Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers; former Nebraska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joann Schaefer; former state Sen. Suzanne Geist; and Nancy Montanez Johner, former U.S. under secretary of agriculture, former director of Health and Human Services, and former state director for U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns. He also received endorsements from the Lancaster County Medical Society, several former fellow student regents, current university students mentored by Dr. Hosein, and business, nonprofit and civic leaders from across Nebraska. “Dr. Hosein has always put Nebraskans first. His leadership, integrity and vision make him the right person to help guide our university system into the future,” Gov. Heineman said at the campaign’s launch. The campaign said additional endorsements will be announced in the coming weeks, including support from members of Nebraska’s congressional delegation, statewide elected throughout the state, medical and professional organizations, and community and business leaders across District 1. Campaign officials said the growing list of endorsements reflects confidence in Hosein’s people-first leadership, practical problem-solving approach and deep understanding of how the University of Nebraska can better serve students, families and communities statewide. About Dr. Jeremy Hosein Dr. Jeremy Hosein is a neurosurgeon, former student regent, and candidate for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, District 1. A former student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and a graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, he brings a people-first, results-driven perspective to university governance. His campaign is focused on academic excellence, affordability, empowering faculty and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. Hosein graduated from Papillion-La Vista High School in Papillion, Nebraska. He is a partner in his neurosurgery group, owner of a surgery center, and holds clinics in Lincoln and rural Nebraska. His wife, Dawn, is also a UNL and UNMC graduate and serves the community as a hospitalist in Lincoln. They are raising their three children in Lincoln. The election for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents will be held on May 12, 2026. Learn more at drhoseinforregent.com .  Pictured L-R: Dr. Dawn Hosein, Dr. Jeremy Hosein, Bob Evnen-State Secretary of Nebraska

Focus remains on students, faculty and responsible stewardship of public resources LINCOLN, Neb.  — The recent approval of a severance package for University of Nebraska–Lincoln Chancellor Rodney Bennett has raised questions among faculty members and the broader public about how executive compensation decisions affect the university community and the people it serves. Bennett resigned following faculty votes of no confidence and ongoing concerns related to leadership and campus morale. Under the terms of his employment contract, the Board of Regents approved a severance agreement that includes continued salary and benefits, resulting in a seven-figure payout. The decision comes at a time when faculty and departments are facing budget pressures and uncertainty. Dr. Hosein, a candidate for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents in District 1, said the situation highlights the importance of keeping people at the center of decision-making at public institutions. “I’m concerned about the size of the severance payment approved following Chancellor Bennett’s resignation,” Dr. Hosein said. “The University of Nebraska is supported by students, families and taxpayers, and decisions at this level should always reflect a deep respect for those who depend on and invest in our university.” Hosein emphasized that many Nebraskans are navigating rising costs and financial pressures of their own. “Most working families don’t receive a seven-figure payout when they leave their jobs,” he said. “That reality matters, especially at a public institution whose mission is education, opportunity and service to the state.” Hosein said the issue is not about any one individual, but about ensuring systems and policies consistently prioritize students, faculty and the long-term health of the university. According to the UNL Office of Admissions, annual in-state tuition and fees total approximately $11,000. A $1.1 million payout approximately would cover a full year of tuition for more than 100 Nebraska students. “When people see numbers like this, it’s natural for them to ask how decisions align with academic priorities, affordability and support for faculty and students,” Dr. Hosein said. “Those are conversations worth having, thoughtfully and respectfully.” If elected, Hosein said his focus as a Regent would be on responsible oversight, sound governance and keeping the university’s mission — educating students and serving Nebraska — at the forefront of every decision. About Dr. Jeremy Hosein Dr. Jeremy Hosein is a Neurosurgeon, public policy and civic leader educated at the UNL, UNMC, and previously served as a Student Regent. He is running for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, District 1. He lives in Lincoln with his wife and three children.

Lincoln Journal Star | September 21, 2025 The role of the University of Nebraska has never been more urgent. Once, its mission was clear: educate students and conduct research. But as artificial intelligence disrupts industries, destabilizing once-reliable career paths, and redefines the very nature of work, the university must rethink not only what they teach but how they prepare students for a future defined by rapid change and complexity. As I meet with parents and students, I hear their concerns about safe career paths in an uncertain future. As a father, I share their concerns, yet I remain hopeful. I agree with former IBM CEO Ginni Rometty who said that artificial intelligence will not replace people, but those who know how to use AI will replace those who don’t. We must be intentional in this destination.   The modern state university must be a leader in innovation and purpose. Its goal should be to equip students to thrive in a world where technology automates routine tasks and human creativity, adaptability and problem-solving become the most valuable skills. A university’s measure should be how well its graduates are solving both big and small problems in our country.   The American workforce is at an inflection point. AI is already transforming industries in law, finance, national security, media and medicine. At the same time, our country faces unprecedented challenges from manufacturing and farming to climate change and public health crises. The students entering the University of Nebraska today are not just training for their first jobs — they are also preparing to solve problems that do not yet exist in an uncertain world. To meet this moment, the University of Nebraska must reimagine itself around student-centered imperatives:   1. Educating for adaptability   Technical skills alone will not secure a career in the age of AI. Universities must prioritize cross-disciplinary learning, critical thinking and ethical reasoning — competencies that machines cannot replicate. Students will need to break beyond traditional silos of a single discipline to train engineers who study philosophy, business majors who learn history, nurses who explore public policy, and all who learn data science and informatics. This breadth of education equips graduates not just for today’s job market, but for lifelong adaptation in an unpredictable economy.   2. Radical practicality through real-world problem solving The 21st-century university must function as a problem-solving engine where students apply their knowledge directly to societal challenges. There are an infinite number of problems to solve, and the university must be nimble and strengthen partnerships with industry, agriculture and government. Students should graduate with experience addressing the bioeconomy in climate adaptation, rural health care access, or the responsible deployment of AI, to name a few. This prepares them not just to enter the workforce but to lead it.   3. Expanding recruitment, access and support for all students The strength of a public university lies in its commitment to serve anyone capable of learning and contributing. Retooling our workforce with the necessary skills to stay competitive in this environment means that the university has a role in the professional lifecycle of any worker. This means that the NU must redouble its commitment to accessibility, affordability and student support for lifelong learning. First-generation students, working parents, veterans and rural learners are essential voices in tackling the problems of tomorrow. The University of Nebraska is poised to lead in these roles. Degree programs have recently been launched in AI, and we should invest in faculty to deepen their skillset in this arena. More than a ladder of individual opportunity, NU is a cornerstone of state and national resilience. To succeed, we must move quickly. The traditional academic mold cannot meet the needs of the AI era. Our students are counting on us not to cling to tradition, but to adapt as an institution that sees disruption not as a threat, but as a call to transform to solve the grand challenges of our time. Because when our students are ready for the future, so is Nebraska.   Jeremy Hosein is a neurosurgeon in Lincoln. He was a health adviser in the White House, policy adviser to two Nebraska governors and former UNMC student regent. He is a candidate for the NU Board of Regents in District 1.

Dr. Hosein Champions Students, Teachers and Smart Investments for the Future LINCOLN, Neb. —  Jeremy Hosein, MD, a neurosurgeon and experienced public servant, surrounded by supporters including Governor Dave Heineman, officially announced his candidacy for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. He proudly attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Medicine. Dr. Hosein brings deep experience in smart public policy, healthcare, and small business ownership to his run for Regent. “It’s time for a new generation of leaders to invest in the next generation of Nebraskans,” said Dr. Hosein. “The ultimate measure of a university’s success is how well its graduates address the real problems facing the state and the nation. Our students should leave campus ready to engage deeply with the challenges at hand. Education is not just about career preparation—it’s about incubating the problem- solvers our state and country desperately need.” Dr. Hosein, who previously served as a Student Regent representing UNMC, has worked at the highest levels of state and national leadership. With a background in Congress, the Nebraska Governor’s Office, and the White House, he now seeks to lead and serve the University that helped launch his career as a neurosurgeon and Nebraska business owner. Dr. Hosein’s vision for the University of Nebraska includes:   ●       Prioritize students and faculty, teaching and learning ●       Integrate AI literacy and technological adaptability into every discipline ●       Create an NIL for academics to attract the brightest and best to Nebraska ●       Keep tuition affordable and higher education accessible ●       Foster strong partnerships between the University and Nebraska employers   His candidacy has already drawn strong support from key Nebraska leaders who joined him for the announcement in the State Capitol Rotunda, including former Governor Dave Heineman, former Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joann Schaefer, former Senator Suzanne Geist, several former Student Regents, the Lancaster County Medical Society who have endorsed his candidacy, and many prominent members of the business community. “Dr. Hosein has always put Nebraskans first. His leadership, integrity, and vision make him the right person to help guide our university system into the future.” —  Governor Dave Heineman “Jeremy Hosein is a proven leader who believes in service over self. He will be a dedicated and hardworking Regent to help develop our students into the next generation of leaders.” —  Nebraska  Attorney General Mike Hilgers   “I’ve worked alongside Dr. Hosein and seen his dedication firsthand. He’ll be a Regent who always remembers his roots and his responsibility to Nebraska students.” —  Former Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Joann Schaefer, Nebraska’s first female and longest serving CMO.   “Dr. Jeremy Hosein understands that students need an education that is more than career preparation, and that we’re building resilient problem-solvers for the future of our great state. His commitment to affordability, opportunity, and preparing the next generation truly reflects his campaign — for the students, for the future.” – Former State Senator Suzanne Geist “I’ve known Jeremy for years, and his heart is always with the people. Personally, I’m supporting him because I believe in him and his commitment and understanding of the full, robust needs of our community and our future.” – Former U.S. Under Secretary of Agriculture, Director of Health and Human Services and State Director for Senator Mike Johanns, Nancy Montanez Johner Dr. Hosein graduated from Papillion-La Vista High School in Papillion, Nebraska. He is a partner in his neurosurgery group, owner of a surgery center, and holds clinics in Lincoln and rural Nebraska. His father, a retired Air Force veteran, is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and his sister is a University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate. His wife is a graduate of UNL and UNMC, serving the community as a hospitalist in Lincoln. Both Dr. Hoseins support Clinic With a Heart which provides free health care in Lincoln. They have three young children. The election for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents will be held on May 12, 2026.